# Political instability in Bosnia and Herzegovina

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/political-instability-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina
> Updated: 2026-09-17T03:30:07.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 2.

Political and diplomatic tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina have intensified, involving regional actors and international powers. Initial friction emerged following the decision by Konaković to declare two Serbian Embassy officials persona non grata, which prompted reactions from Belgrade. Concurrently, members of the European Parliament called for a review of accession negotiations with Serbia due to the glorification of war criminals.

These tensions escalated as US officials raised concerns regarding the potential breakup of the country. US Congressman Kit Selv cited the positions of Republika Srpska as a factor in this possibility, while Senator Jeanne Shaheen warned that Russia may use Serbia as a ‘waystation’ for hybrid warfare in the Western Balkans. 

Milorad Dodik, leader of the SNSD, responded by criticizing the European Union as ‘rotten’ and stating that Republika Srpska would seek engagement with Russia, the USA, and China. Dodik further asserted that his party’s goal is the establishment of a Serbian national state. In response to the instability, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Loton stated that the US opposes international interventionism that infringes upon the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina, urging local leaders to take responsibility.

## Claims

- Senator Jeanne Shaheen stated that Russia views the Western Balkans as a potential second front and has an interest in destabilizing the region. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- US Congressman Kit Self stated that the breakup of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a possibility due to the positions of Republika Srpska. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Loton stated the US administration opposes international interventionism in Bosnia and Herzegovina's sovereignty. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- US Congressman Kit Self suggested the next High Representative should aim to close the Office of the High Representative (OHR). (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Milorad Dodik criticized the European Union as rotten and stated Republika Srpska will engage with Russia, the USA, and China instead. (single source)
- Reuf Bajrović argued that accommodating regional powers like Serbia and Croatia at the expense of smaller neighbors subsidizes instability in the Balkans. (single source)
- Senator Shaheen noted that Milorad Dodik advocated for Republika Srpska's independence following the lifting of his sanctions. (single source)
- Milorad Dodik stated during an SNSD rally that the party's goal is the establishment of a Serbian national state. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-17: US officials warn of potential Bosnia and Herzegovina breakup

US officials and senators have raised alarms over the potential breakup of Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Milorad Dodik rejects EU influence in favor of ties with Russia, China, and the US.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-congress-signals-potential-shift-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina-policy

### 2026-09-09: Bosnia and Herzegovina: Banovići anniversary and diplomatic tensions

Banovići marks its municipality day while diplomatic tensions rise in Bosnia and Herzegovina following the expulsion of Serbian officials and calls for EU negotiation reviews.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bosnia-and-herzegovina-banovii-anniversary-and-diplomatic-tensions

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Cite as: Political instability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/political-instability-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina